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Table 1 Open-ended guide for in-depth interviews

From: Towards an effective collaboration between the South Western Sydney Local Health District and local councils: insights from a qualitative study

Domain

Open-ended question

Exploring the opportunities

What are the formal and informal opportunities for providing input? (Discussion about opportunities outlined in the environmental planning policies and any opportunities which are not outlined in the policies)

Using the opportunities

In what stages of the planning process is SWSLHD invited to provide input and what other health-related stakeholders are also invited to provide inputs?

Exploration and analysis of the factors of effective use of the opportunities

a. Providing/sharing information

When SWSLHD is invited to provide input, what are the other things local councils provide them with the draft plan (like information package)?

b. Perception in the local councils

How important do the local councils think it is to consult SWSLHD before a plan is made? How the submissions are analysed and decided—what are the factors considered?

c. Problems in accepting the inputs

What are the problems local councils face in accepting/incorporating SWSLHD’s input into plans? How can they be addressed? If there is any, further discussion on the reasons

d. Benefits/level of satisfaction

What are the benefits the local councils think they are getting if SWSLHD is consulted? (May be increase in knowledge/skill, better relationship, and plan quality)

a. Communication

How comfortable are local councils to deal/communicate with the SWSLHD? Reasons for the opinion. What are the informal avenues of communication; if there are any, how often and whether that helps?

b. Issues of accountability (transparency/access to information/integrity)

Whether SWSLHD is provided with feedback after plans are finalized—such as what happens with their input, how much has been adopted or not and why

Towards healthier urban plans

Is the way SWSLHD provides input helpful or useful? If yes, how can be more improved? If no, why not? What are the steps or policy alternatives local councils think should be which can help them in planning for a better health-supportive urban environment